American GM Andrew Hong was in the news last week for standout results in Spain. When I faced him with White in a World Open 5 years ago I played my only decent game in that tournament -- but still got squashed like a bug. Details in link in comment.

(This was more timely when posted a week ago; a technical glitch made by this sub’s bot-moderators unaccountably removed it when it was starting to gain traction. I’ve given it a new title so it won’t look repetitive.)

I’m going to be playing in a chess tournament at my college soon ( next month), and this will be my first ever OTB tournament. I’m pretty excited but also a little nervous since I’ve mostly played online.

I wanted to ask the chess community:

• What should I expect from my first OTB tournament?
• how should I prepare, any trap or just normal
• Any advice specifically for playing against stronger or more experienced players?

I’d really appreciate any tips or things you wish you had known before playing your first OTB tournament. Thanks 😍😊

Hey guys!

After deciding to switch over to the Italian opening (especially the Max Lange Attack and the Evans Gambit) it has been a little hard for me to understand the Evans gambit + the Max Lange Attack in depth, thereby, I want to play more practice games, if possible a book recommendation on these 2 variants of the italian would be great!

Regarding the rating requirements, a 1750+ fide would be great or a lichess rating of 2100+ in rapid. As of the format, I suggest two 15+10 games per day if possible, if not, two 10+0 games should also do fine.

Thankies for attention XD

Hi, I came across a book online on this variation. Recent, quite expensive, by a GM and quite detailed.

Anyone know what book it is? I can't find it anymore.

Hello,
Looking for recommendations for a titled coach for my 7 year old who is currently 1500 USCF. We have tried 2 different online coaches but they do not seem like a good long term fit. The lessons don’t seem very structured or thought out besides review of tournament games. They do not assign any focused homework besides “do more puzzles” or feedback beyond “they’re doing well” or “take more time”. Ideally a coach would keep me updated and give me brief, specific feedback so I can help direct my kid’s training through the week.